I first heard of the NCT in relation to their antenatal classes. After having Baby, I went to a weekly coffee group organised by the NCT and met some fabulous ladies, some of which are now my closest friends.
The NCT is the UK’s largest charity for parents.
“We’re here to support parents. We give them accurate, impartial information so that they can decide what’s best for their family, and we introduce them to a network of local parents to gain practical and emotional support.”
Last weekend we headed to the bi-yearly local Nearly New sale. I LOVE these sales! All the products are vetted before they are offered for sale, so you are assured of excellent quality items. In the past we have managed to pick up some fabulous things at bargain prices. Last year, the sales raised £1 million for the charity helplines, breastfeeding counselling and other projects.
I love the expectation of the bargains I may find! The major benefit that the NCT sales have over other Children’s sales, is that everything is organised in categories. So you do not have to search through each stall in the chance of finding things. At NCT sales all the clothing and shoes are in one room and are hung on groups according to sex and age group. All the toys and equipment are also grouped together. This makes it so much easier to find what you are looking for and no time is wasted searching through unsuitable things. At these sales time is of the essence!
I was so lucky to be able to go in early, so I had a little more breathing time and after an initial wander round, I headed to the clothes room. I wanted to show you what I bought, so you get an idea of the type of things you can find.
My main bargain is this lovely Ted Baker wool coat for £3! It already has a home with a friends daughter when Baby outgrows it!. I thought the dress and the bolero would be nice for Christmas outings. I love cord, so the cute little skirt and trousers had to come home with us.
Then it was onto the other room, which was filled with ride on’s, all different types of toys, books, puzzles, highchairs/prams, bedding, feeding and everything else you can imagine. I immediately saw a wooden easel, that has paper roller on it too, for £8 and a stair gate for £5, both came home with me. I also got this little lot.
I also picked up a bag of Happyland animals (£2), a Happyland Toy Shop (50p) and a mixed bag of lots of little ITNG figures for £1. I couldn’t photograph them as Baby held them hostage! We have given Baby all the books and a few other bits, but we have kept some things aside to add to her Christmas pile.
So if you haven’t been to a NCT Nearly New Sale, I would advise that you find your nearest one and give it a whirl. (In Berkshire the next sale is on March)
If you are in the Berkshire area, the Newbury branch have a Cheeky Monkeys tea party coming up on 17th October 11am- 1pm. Newbury also run weekly Social Bumps for pregnant mums/couples, Bumps and Babes and Crawlers & Explorers, for parents to meet others and get support locally.
Have you ever been to an NCT Nearly New Sale?
Disclosure: I was given early access to the sale in order to write this piece. However, all opinions are 100% honest.
Comments 12
Oh wow! What great bargains. I have never been to one of these sales….Wish I knew about them when my girls were younger x
I have never been to an NCT sale, but I am definitely going to after seeing this – it’s nothing like the jumble sale I imagined! Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested
Author
They are fabulous huni, you really should x
I have just recently found out about these sales and am selling at the next one on the 11th here in n.ireland im so looking forward to getting a rummage through the rails too!
Author
Oh good luck I am sure you will get lots of bargains x
Wow, great bargains! I’ve never been to a NCT sale, but we did go to another nearly new baby sale and I got loads of clothes for 20p each. It was funny though, whilst some things were real bargains, other people were asking crazy amounts, like £20 for a second hand toy which we had already bought new for £10! x
#TriedTested
Wow! What absolutely amazing bargains. I’ve never been to one of those sales but will certainly look out for them.
#Tried/Tested
Wow I can’t believe what bargains you got! I definitely need to try one of these out! x
Author
You really should, it is like a treasure chest! x
I LOVE the NCT nearly new sales! You’ve picked up some right bargains there haven’t you! Love the coat, Ted Baker do beautiful kids clothes xx
Nct slough and windsor sale on 29 nov if you are on this side of he county!
I love the nct sales.
Author
Don’t tempt me! 🙂 x